Well, in case I don't get anywhere playing the system he'll start at his allocated school (MG) next Thursday, as planned. Meanwhile I'll start the ball rolling with the medical thing. If it comes off, and he gets offered a place at our preferred schools, marvellous. If it doesn't, at least he'll be settled at MG. If it doesn't come off, and MG proves to be shit, we'll have to think again.
The thing is, when I went to the pre-application open days for the preferred schools, and asked them about his eye, that he might need attention during the day, etc, they both said they had procedures in place for that sort of thing - children who need their inhalers, diabetics, etc. As I assumed that a) we'd get into one of these two schools, and b) having a 'procedure' was standard practice, I didn't claim the 'special medical need' card.
However, when I went to the starters day at MG, and asked what they'd do, the deputy head said 'no idea, ask the teacher', and the teacher said 'no idea, ask the deputy head'. When I reminded the teacher at the brief meeting with her, she said she was sure the TA could sort it out. But nothing since. Don't know when/where/how/if this is going to take place.
Admissions woman at the council seemed to think I had a fair case for medical grounds, and for appeal. I didn't realise you could still appeal, but apparently, unadvertised, you can!